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In a world filled with uncertainty and loss, the message of Jesus offering eternal life is more relevant than ever. Pastor Ryan and Pastor Adam's recent sermon at Spring Lake Church titled *"The Resurrection and The Life"* dives deep into John 11, where Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. This powerful narrative is not just a story from the Bible; it is a promise that resounds with hope and meaning in our everyday lives.
The story takes place in Bethany, where Lazarus, a beloved friend of Jesus, falls gravely ill. His sisters, Mary and Martha, reach out to Jesus in desperation, knowing He has the power to heal. However, Jesus chooses to delay His visit. This prompts a critical question many of us grapple with: Why does God sometimes feel distant in our darkest moments?
Jesus’ delayed response might seem cruel at first glance, but it’s significant. He loved Lazarus and his sisters deeply, and their pain did not go unnoticed. Sometimes, when we experience suffering or unanswered prayers, we might wonder about God's love and presence in our lives. But the beautiful truth is that even in those delays, God is working towards a greater purpose.
The heart of this sermon is wrapped around Jesus’ profound statement: *"I am the resurrection and the life".* This is more than just a theological point. It’s an invitation to understand that physical death is not the end. Jesus reassures Martha, saying, "The one who believes in me will live, even though they die" (John 11:25). This promise extends beyond Lazarus’ resurrection; it invites us to embrace the hope of eternal life now and forever.
In our moments of despair—when we face the loss of loved ones or grapple with our mortality—this promise can be a source of strength and comfort. Just as Lazarus was called from the grave, we, too, are invited into new life through faith in Christ.
One of the most poignant moments in this narrative is when Jesus weeps at Lazarus' tomb. This demonstrates that it is okay to grieve; it is part of the human experience. Grief can feel isolating and overwhelming, but it is important to know we don't grieve alone. Jesus stands with us in our sorrow, sharing in our pain and offering us His love.
How do we navigate our grief while holding onto the promise of eternal life? Here are some practical steps:
1. Express Your Feelings: Like Mary and Martha, bring your pain before Jesus. He desires to hear us, to comfort us, and to walk with us through our grief.
2. Lean on Community: Surround yourself with people who understand your pain and who can pray with you. Sharing your burdens with others in faith can lighten the load.
3. Remember the Promise: Regularly remind yourself of the hope of resurrection. Write it down, speak it aloud, and let it transform your perspective on death and loss.
4. Seek Support When Needed: Grieving can be complicated. Don’t hesitate to seek professional support or pastoral counseling if you feel stuck in your grief.
Ultimately, the resurrection of Lazarus is a powerful testament to Jesus' authority over life and death. He closes the distance between despair and hope, inviting us to believe in Him wholeheartedly.
Jesus asks Martha, "Do you believe this?" It’s a question for us, too. Do we truly believe that Jesus has the power to transform our lives, even in the face of death? As we navigate our earthly journey, our belief in Jesus' promise of eternal life reshapes how we live today.
By knowing Jesus as the resurrection and the life, we embrace a reality where death is no longer the final chapter, but rather a doorway into everlasting communion with God.
What does this mean for us moving forward? If you haven’t yet taken that step of faith, I encourage you to open your heart to Him today. Invite Jesus into your life and trust in His promise of eternal life.
For those who are following Christ, use this assurance as a catalyst for hope in your trials. Let it encourage you to share this life-giving message with others who are hurting. As a church family, we are called to be conduits of the hope and love that Jesus embodies.
The story of Lazarus is not just a miraculous event; it is a declaration of the hope we have as believers. Jesus has the final say over death, and through this, we are promised new life. May we embrace this truth, allowing it to fill us with courage as we navigate the complexities of grief in our lives. Let us go out into the world—armed with the knowledge that Jesus, the resurrection and the life, offers a hope that stands eternal.
Let us pray for the faith to believe, the courage to hope, and the grace to share this good news with those around us.
